Over the course of his military career, Watrud has been a platoon leader, brigade-level staff officer, DLIFLC chief of staff, and even an advisor to an Iraqi 3-star commander in Baghdad.

The DLIFLC Commandant, Col. Danial D. Pick, administered the oath of office to Lt. Col. Watrud Tuesday, 14 August, in the commandant’s office at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif.

“The command is very fortunate to have Lt. Col. Watrud as our Command Inspector General, as his role grows even more important as DLIFLC enters an era of change and transition," Pick said.

Administering the oath has been an Army requirement since 1981, and the oath is meant to “strengthen the bond between the commander and the IG,” according to DLIFLC IG Specialist Adolph George.

The brief ceremony invokes the partnership between the commander and the Inspector General, and that special trust and responsibility is further documented with a certificate. For Watrud, signatories to the certificate besides himself and Pick are Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh and Army Inspector General Lt. Gen. Peter Vangjel.

"The IG is a personal staff officer providing the commander a sounding board for sensitive issues. IGs are honest brokers, confidential advisors and consummate fact finders," George said.

The modern Army IG is considered to be an extension of the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the commander. Their four primary functions are assistance, investigations and inquiries, inspections, and teaching and training.

The roles of the Inspector General include assistance in formal fact-finding in response to allegations of violations, teaching and training in Army systems, processes, and procedures, and inspections focused on root causes for noncompliance that are tailored to meet the commander’s needs.

"I look forward to working with leaders here at all levels, helping them to understand the standards, reduce friction, and focus on their primary mission." said Watrud.

Story and Photo Credits

Story by Strategic Communications with input from Adolph George, DLIFLC IG Specialist

Photo: The DLIFLC Commandant (right), Col. Danial D. Pick, administers the oath of office to Lt. Col. Christopher J. Watrud Tuesday, 14 August 2012, in the commandant’s office at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif. (U.S. Army photo by Adolph George)